China’s Double Ninth Festival falls on the ninth day of the ninth month of the Chinese lunar calendar every year. It is a traditional folk holiday focusing on good health and long life. Let’s take a look at some key words related to this festival.
Nine
Nine is an important number in Chinese culture because its pronunciation means “long” in Chinese. According to the Book of Changes (《易经》), the number six is considered yin while nine is yang. The ninth day of the ninth lunar month in the Chinese calendar features two nines, so the day is given the Chinese name “Chongyang”.
Plants
When it comes to the Double Ninth Festival, two important plants, the cornel (茱萸) and chrysanthemum (菊花), have to be mentioned.
Cornel, famous in traditional Chinese medicine, is widely planted in the north and south of China. Ancient people believed that wearing the cornel on this day could help prevent illness and avoid disasters.
They also believed that the chrysanthemum could drive away bad luck and prevent one from getting a cold in late autumn. So, drinking chrysanthemum wine has always been a traditional custom at this festival.
Elders
As times change, the festival has been given more meaning. In 1989, the Chinese government set it as a day for the elders, to encourage all to respect and love them, so as to build a beautiful, age-friendly society.
【小题1】What does the Double Ninth Festival focus on?| A．Wealth and happiness. | B．Good luck and healthy life. |
| C．Success and fame. | D．Good health and long life. |
| A．Two. | B．Three. | C．Four. | D．Five. |
| A．Technology. | B．Culture. | C．Nature. | D．Business. |
| A．The Double Ninth Festival falls on August 9th each year. |
| B．The number nine is considered yin while six is yang. |
| C．People plant cornel widely in the north and south of China. |
| D．It was believed that the chrysanthemum could bring wealth. |
| A．Two Important Plants | B．An Important Number |
| C．A Traditional Folk Holiday | D．Key Words in Double Ninth Festival |
